The Tribune-Democrat
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“This year’s budget negotiations showed that lawmakers have learned from past mistakes and moved quickly toward consensus, rather than entrenching for weeks and months.
“The result is a budget passed on time, without new taxes and with a continued commitment to improve the economy through job creation and education investments.
“Those commitments are vital as our economy sluggishly improves to grow jobs – the only way for the state to substantially increase revenue without increasing broad-based taxes.
– State Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont
“I think the message that I heard campaigning this spring was that the popele wanted a timely budget.
“They wanted a balanced budget and they wanted it done on time and I think that resonated here.
“It’s a budget that’s going to cut spending across the board.
“This was a tough year, based on the economic times.
“We didn’t have the available revenue to fund many worthy programs in the budget.
“And there was no interest in creating or raising taxes. In a situation like that, there is only one thing to do and that is to make cuts.
– State Sen. Richard Kasunic, D-Dunbar
“It’s on time, there are no tax increases and there is additional money for education.”
– State Rep. Bryan Barbin, D-Johnstown
“I commend the legislative leaders and governor for working together to get a budget done within a reasonable time frame.
“In the end, this bill could have better reflected the priorities and needs of our Commonwealth.”
– State Rep. Dave Reed, R-Homer City
